Aerial surveu on 17 Sep 1992 found 7 white rhino in Botswana. Following the survey, Rhino & Elephant Foundation submitted a report to the Director, Department of Wildlife & national Parks recommending that either the rhinos were dehorned, or collars fitted, or preferably, be relocated to the proposed Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe. The cost of the latter would be R 120.000 and Ref was prepared to put R 40.000 towards the cost. Finally the Botswana Government agreed to the relocation option using the Natal Parks Board animal capture unit. they declined REF's offer of financial assistance as REF had already agreed to contribute R 25.000 to the construction of the bomas at Serowe and pay for the upkeep of captured animals in the bomas for 6 months. The capture operation took place in early February [1993] and took 15 days. Only 4 animals could be found for capture (one not accounted for in the aerial census). Evidence found pointed to the fact that 4 of the animals counted in September had fallen to poachers since that time. Of the four animals translocated to serowe, one died shortly afterwards from a bullet wound inflicted prior to capture. The remaining three, a male, female and calf, had adapted well.
Aerial survey on 17 Sep 1992 found 7 white rhino in Botswana. Following the survey, Rhino & Elephant Foundation submitted a report to the Director, Department of Wildlife & national Parks recommending that either the rhinos were dehorned, or collars fitted, or preferably, be relocated to the proposed Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe. The capture operation took place in early February [1993] and took 15 days. Only 4 animals could be found for capture (one not accounted for in the aerial census). Evidence found pointed to the fact that 4 of the animals counted in September had fallen to poachers since that time. The Okavango Wildlife Society had arranged for the translocation of over 70 white rhino to Botswana in the 1970's. The population floruished initially and estimated numbers of 100-150 were being mentioned as recently as 1990.
Aerial census in 1992 - no black rhino were found. A total of 7 white rhino were counted. Allowing for errors in the survey, as many as 12 may exist.
The Okavango Wildlife Society had arranged for the translocation of over 70 white rhino to Botswana in the 1970's. The population flourished initially and estimated numbers of 100-150 were being mentioned as recently as 1990.
